Parents have their work cut out throughout the summer months while entertaining tweens and teens, always battling the demand for one device or another. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of exciting and educational activities sure to grab the attention of even the most addicted gadgeteer.
Zipit
Zipit Forest Adventures is currently at several locations around Ireland including Dublin, Cork and Roscommon, with new premises due to open in Djouce Park, Wicklow, this July. High ropes and ziplining guarantee plenty of thrills for adrenaline junkies. A trip to one of the centres involves three hours of fun, from BMXing across bridges to ziplining some 20 metres above the ground. Tibradden Wood in Dublin now features Zip Trail which is 500m of pure zip line. It is open daily throughout June, July and August. Prices from €42 per person. zipit.ie
Emerald Park
With more than 40 attractions, Emerald Park really is a jewel in the kids entertainment crown. Located 20 minutes from Dublin in Ashbourne, Co Meath, there’s something for everyone here. Older kids can indulge their inner adrenaline junkie on the wooden Cú Chúlainn Coaster, or take a splash on Ireland’s only flume attraction, Viking Voyage. Tír na nÓg, an immersive land, has Europe’s longest intertwining rollercoasters. The zoo is home to more than 250 animals including Amur tigers, leopards and mountain lions, and an array of birds of prey. Prices from €52 per person. emeraldpark.ie
Star Wars
A fun trip for any young sci-fi fan is a tour around the Star Wars hotspots of Kerry, stopping off in Portmagee, the Skellig Ring, and Valentia Island. Some of Star Wars: The Force Awakens was famously filmed on Skellig Michael and the Kerry Experience Tour offers fab views of the island on a clear day. You can see where cast and crew, including Luke Skywalker, dined and hung out and hear tales about filming and behind the scenes. Combining this with the stunning coastal scenery, this will be a magical day trip for any budding Jedi knight, who will be given a lightsabre at the start of the trip. This is a seven-hour tour and costs €400 for four people. kerryexperiencetours.ie.
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Finn McCool Surf School
Water sports are always an exciting way for older kids to burn off some energy, make new friends and learn a skill. Be it surfing, paddleboarding or kayaking, there are many on offer on this little island of ours. Learn to surf at Finn McCool surf school in Rossnowlagh, where beginners will get a friendly introduction to surfing. Owners promise no rips, or scary sea creatures, just lots of gentle encouragement. Kids’ lessons cost around €30 per day. finmccoolsurfschool.com
Titanic Belfast
The world’s biggest Titanic-themed visitor centre is quite rightly based in Belfast, at the site of the Harland & Wolff shipyard where RMS Titanic was built. Nine interactive galleries focus young minds on educational yet fun facts about the ship’s construction process. Youngsters can also “walk the decks” or view the sleeping quarters, both first class and steerage.
But little historians will learn a lot more, not only about the most famous ship ever to sink but also the history of Belfast and its shipbuilding traditions. Prices from £24.95 (€29.80) for adults and £11 for children. titanicbelfast.com
Baysports Waterpark
This is one of Ireland’s largest water-based inflatable playgrounds, located on beautiful Lough Ree in Athlone. A series of colourful slides, obstacle courses and a round tower bob on the lake, making this a thrilling way to spend an afternoon. There is a junior floating area suitable for children aged two and up also. There are paddle boats, kayaks and a cafe serving treats, so you have everything you need in one location. Prices from €26. baysports.ie
Wild Ireland
Brown bears roaming the woods is the stuff kids read about in story books but in Buncrana that’s exactly what you’ll see. Walk under a canopy of trees in this Celtic rainforest and you’ll encounter wolves, lynx and wild boar, animals that once roamed this land, as well as those majestic brown bears. Wild Ireland is on a mission to inspire children to become the conservationists of tomorrow with this fascinating tour. Tickets from €19 for adults and €15 for children. wildireland.org
Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin has returned to its restored Georgian home on St Stephen’s Green following a €4.3 million renovation. Before the 29-minute guided tour starts, you will enjoy a short film on the history of Dublin. During the tour that follows, you’ll see items including a piece of the Berlin Wall, memorabilia of Ché Guevara, Guinness and U2, and a first edition of James Joyce’s Ulysses. Tickets from €20. littlemuseum.ie
Surfdock
Finally, Surfdock offers a wide range of water-based activities in Grand Canal Dock, with camps also available throughout the summer. Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing are fun and help build confidence in the water, as well as teaching lifelong skills to budding sailors or paddlers. Prices from €30 to €45. surfdock.com
